The UK's leading retail trade events, Spring & Autumn Fair, has today launched a new national campaign calling for a minimum of 90 minutes' free parking in town and city centres across England. The campaign follows new research revealing retailers and consumers have independently identified the same practical measure to help encourage more visits to Britain's high streets. Launching under the banner 'Support Free Parking. Back Local Businesses. Bring People Back', the campaign centres around a Parliamentary petition urging local authorities to view parking as part of a wider strategy to increase footfall, support independent businesses and strengthen local economies.
Posted: 25 August 2026
SANTORO is proud to announce a double medal win at the 2026 Independent Toy Awards, in both 'Educational' and 'Pocket Money' categories. The Gold Medal represents a significant milestone for SANTORO's award-winning Pop & Build collection, marking the third consecutive year the range has received the competition's highest honour, this time in the 'Educational' category. That's three golds in just three years!
Posted: 20 August 2026
Paperworld Middle East, the region's leading trade show for paper and stationery products, taking place from 13th to 15th October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, has announced a strategic partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The collaboration reinforces the event's commitment to responsible sourcing while supporting the long-term development and transformation of the paper and stationery industry across the Middle East.
Posted: 18 August 2026
The Home & Gift Association has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for targeted Government support to help independent retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth, job creation and vibrant high streets across the United Kingdom. In a letter sent by Managing Director Gemma Sault, the Home & Gift Association highlighted the significant contribution made by the UK's home, gift and stationery sector and outlined a series of policy recommendations designed to strengthen independent businesses and unlock future growth.
Posted: 13 August 2026
STAEDTLER, one of the world's leading manufacturers of writing, drawing and creative materials, and COLOP, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of creative and educational stamp products, are strengthening their international partnership. From July 2026, STAEDTLER (UK) Ltd will be responsible for the distribution of selected products from the COLOP range in the UK. Through this partnership, both companies are joining forces to make innovative, creative products available to retailers and consumers in an even more efficient and targeted manner.
Posted: 11 August 2026
Scottish heritage brand Nutscene has been recognised at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, earning a prestigious 5-Star Tradestand Award for its outstanding exhibition. The award celebrates excellence in stand design, presentation and visitor experience, placing Nutscene among the show's standout exhibitors. Renowned for its colourful heritage twines, jute products and traditional gardening accessories, the company impressed judges with a display that combined craftsmanship, quality and visual impact.
Posted: 6 August 2026
Toy Fair is returning to Olympia, London from 19th to 21st January 2027 for its 73rd show. With more than six months until the doors open, early exhibitor demand -both from returning companies and brand new- is proving strong, with a large proportion of stand space already allocated, including a sold-out Gold Zone, with ongoing demand from across the industry. Companies still thinking about exhibiting are advised to apply soon, as space is filling up quickly.
Posted: 4 August 2026
Spring Fair, the UK's leading Home, Gift & Fashion retail experience, has announced the 18 winners of its 2027 Spring Fair x #SBS Small Business Sunday competition, giving a record number of entrepreneurs the opportunity to exhibit free of charge at the show's dedicated #SBS Village when Spring Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 February 2027. Now entering its eighth year, the partnership between Spring Fair and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis continues to provide one of the UK's most valuable launchpads for emerging retail brands. This year's competition saw a significant increase in interest, with applications up by around 10% and judges commenting on the exceptional quality and diversity of entries. A record 18 businesses have secured fully funded exhibition stands through the partnership, representing a 50% increase on previous years and pushing the total number of businesses supported to well over 100.
Posted: 30 July 2026
The Giftware Association has announced a significant evolution of its organisation, unveiling its new identity as the Home & Gift Association. The rebrand follows an extensive twelve-month period of consultation, member feedback, and strategic planning, designed to ensure the association continues to reflect the changing landscape of the industries it serves. The new name recognises the growing diversity of the sector and strengthens the organisation's position as the collective voice for businesses operating across giftware, homeware and stationery categories.
Posted: 28 July 2026
As the summer holidays approach Pentel is set to inspire a summer of creativity with the launch of its exciting new social media campaign, #CraftYourSummer. Throughout the seven-week campaign, followers will discover summer craft ideas, easy-to-follow tutorials and colourful projects designed to encourage people to create handmade projects at home. Pentel's campaign is said to reach over 2m followers over the summer period.
Posted: 23 July 2026